Maximizing vs. Minimizing

Some people maximize their lives, making the most of it, whilst other seem to
avoid this. Most of us live somewhere along this spectrum, balancing the best
experiences with the costs of achieving them.

Maximizing

A person with a maximizer strategy will seek to get the most out of their
lives. They live life to the full, making every day and every moment count. They
are more likely to have many friends but may also seek intensity in an
engrossing hobby.

Maximizers can usually handle complexity and typically have many activities
on the go at one time. When one items slows down or they need to wait, they
quickly switch to another.

In buying or deciding they research widely before making the best choice. In
negotiation they
will argue every last point, looking for the very best deal they can hammer out.

Maximizing has its costs and people who take this approach are more likely to
suffer from regret, disappointment, envy and self-recrimination.

Minimizing

A person who prefers minimizing seeks simplicity over complexity, less over
more. They let time flow by, appreciating the moment but not needing to squeeze
it dry.

Minimizers will likely have fewer friends and their relationships are less
likely to be complex. Their conversations are straightforward and they are more
comfortable with silence and their own company.

Minimizers have a lower emotional overload threshold and so may be risk
averse and avoid intense emotional experiences.

In buying they seek something that is good enough, which satisfies their
basic needs. In
negotiation they will either concede easily or see a balanced and sufficient
agreement.

Minimizers may be more quietly content than maximizers, but they may also
envy their indulgence and fuller life.

So what?

Assess the extend to which a person tend to maximize or minimize and where
their natural balance point is on the spectrum between extremes. Tailor your
influencing to this natural point, for example using a lighter touch in
persuading a minimizer whilst engaging a maximizer in a more robust
argument.